I ride a 1996 or 97 Trek 7000 hardtail with front suspension and I love the bike. It has always worked well even riding some pretty intense trails and taking abuse. It sat for a while, when I got too busy to ride, then I decided to get back into it and went out and bought a new Gary Fisher HI-FI Deluxe full suspension. I had some upgrades installed before I took it home and went riding a couple times and after spending about $1500.00, I found that I prefer the old Trek over the new full suspension bike. It has lock outs and all the bells and whistles. It is a $2500.00 bike but I got a great deal on it as it was a leftover and I know the guy at the bike shop pretty well after buying about 8-10 bikes for either me or my kids. All I can tell you is ride a couple different bikes and see which one you feel most comfortable on and buy it and don't look back. And if you were a prior rider you will find that after riding your butt will be sore as he11 but you just gotta keep riding your muscles will get used to it and you will be able to ride long distances before long. Good luck and enjoy!
